House Committee Passes Outdoor Recreation Bill Supported by SEMA

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation designed to promote access to outdoor recreation opportunities, streamline the permitting process for guides and recreation enthusiasts, make federal agencies accountable for prioritizing outdoor recreation, and help address the maintenance backlog on America’s public lands through increased volunteerism, according to the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

The Recreation Not Red-Tape (RNR) Act was introduced in the House and Senate by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon). It is supported by the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR), which is comprised of 17 industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. The bill recognizes the significant economic contributions that the outdoor recreation industry generates for the U.S. economy-$887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs-and would make it easier to expand its scope, according to SAN.

“Cumbersome permitting processes and other bureaucratic roadblocks have significantly undermined access to recreational opportunities for lands that should be available for all Americans to enjoy,” Rep. Bishop said. “This bipartisan bill cuts through that red-tape and ensures federal land managers are focused on their role in providing the public with high-quality outdoor experiences.”

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.